Sisters Health Foundation awards grants

POMEROY – Twenty-nine nonprofit organizations in the Mid-Ohio Valley received grant funding from the Sisters Health Foundation in support of its vision of “healthy people in healthy communities.”

At its spring meeting, the SHF’s Board of Directors approved a total of $387,080 in funding.

Eight organizations that provide direct services, such as food and emergency assistance, received $33,000 from the Basic Needs/Direct Service small-grant program.

Meigs County Council on Aging in Pomeroy was among the recipients, receiving $20,000 to assist with the first stage of renovations at the former Middleport High School for the future home of the Council on Aging Community Center.

In addition to their traditional grant programs, the Sisters Health Foundation often collaborates with area foundations and other entities to support larger initiatives. Operating as the lead agency of a cross-sector partnership, the West Virginia Council of Churches received $25,000 to help the Mountaineer Food Bank acquire a generator to ensure continuity of service in 48 West Virginia counties, including the Mid-Ohio Valley.

The grant is part of a larger, multi-year effort to strengthen the capacity of West Virginia’s emergency food network in times of disaster.

The next due date to submit a full application for the Basic Needs/Direct Service Grants program, or to submit a letter of inquiry for the Responsive Grants program, is Aug. 3.

Nonprofits are encouraged to contact Sr. Molly Bauer, program officer, at 304-424-6080 or mbauer@sistershealthfdn.org with questions about whether their grant request may be a good fit for the Sisters Health Foundation.